Fabric Source: for Omani Traditional Dress

I have FINALLY FOUND plain cotton and linen fabrics. Yay!

Also, homespun, and rough dupoine silk.

[In Oman they really, really love florals and leopard prints, and colourful splotches].

Where?

On the other side from Saabco in Al Qurum, not the Al Araimi mall, but down, past the Omani Craft's house [I want to buy a model Dhow for my father and a rifle belt for my husband], and the bookstore (I WANT the book on traditional Omani folktales and the one on regional silvercrafts] is another mall, whose name eludes me, on the floor up the escalators from the jewelry store [with the giant gold horse and eagle scultures] wherein said fabrics are.

Tailors in Mutrah and Barka, here I come, armed with my latest designs for Omani daywear:)

And wouldn't the dresses look so cute embellished with textiles from the Oman Craft whatever it's real name is store? :)

BTW, the prices in this store ARE actually VERY decent for Oman, because the craftsman are supported by the government, and sometimes the bookstore has a featured book where a portion of the profits go to Dar Al Atta (the charity) soooooo, if supporting local artisans (and getting genuine Omani not foreigner labour) and helping charities a little is for you, this area in Oman is ACTUALLY an OPNO shopping pic. Especially for souvenirs of visitors and friends who CANNOT for the LIFE OF THEM BARTER and reading anything about Oman.

OPNO's Likes....: Souqs (top 5 picks)

In "OPNO likes" we are going to give you our top five picks with runner-ups for things we like to see or do (or eat) in Oman, inshaAllah.

TOP FIVE SOUQS in Oman

1.) Mutrah Souq, Muscat: as it contains spices, insence, perfumes, tourist souvenirs, cheap clothes and accessories persons--house&home--and more from India and China, a gold souq, a fish souq, fabric stores, tailoring bits&bobs plus tailoring services, Omani traditional things, furniture (not very much but...), and a lovely location along the Corniche. You feel like you are in Ali Baba's cave or in the Disney Aladdin movie at times.

The reason this souq is number one for Oman to me is a. it's location in Muscat and touristy traditional things, easily accessible by tourists but still frequented by real live Omanis going about their shopping, and near-ness to a lovely stroll down the corniche , or trips to Museums [Bait Al Baranda] and a decent cafe or 2. I also love the tailors since I am a fan of Omani traditional dresses.

Located in the Al Batinah region, just a short drive away from Muscat. Open Weekly from: 8-9 am, and 4-10:30 pm. Fridays: 4:00-11:00 pm is best.

2.) Sinaw Souq, As Sharqiyah: for it being the oldest preserved souq in Oman and for it being the best place to buy genuine antique beduoin jewelry and rifles, as well as camels.

I chose it because I love Beduoin life, and short of journeying into the wahiba or spending more time in the region, this is a place Beudoin families come for socialising. And anyone who knows me in IRL, knows I am a Beduoin if they ever was one.


Located in Al Sharqiyah Region, the quickest way to get here from Muscat is to drive up the Nizwa road, and turn towards Adam. From Adam it takes roughly 40 minutes.
Open from 7 a.m- 11:oo a.m. Best day is Thursday.


3.) Al Hafah Souq, Dhofar: Nestled in the coconut groves on Salalah's south side it is a cozy souq in the Al Hafah section of town. Here are textile shops, gold and silver souqs and probably best of all, perfumeries where you can find the best frankincense in Oman, and bukhoor that will send your olfactory senses sailing.

Additionally, there are several local cafe's serving up the best in local snacks and tidbits-mishkak, hummus, etc, and if you are a fan of khaleeji abayas, Salalah's tailors make the nicest at the lowest prices.

Located is Al Hafah, Salalah, open from, honestly, I don't know, please, a Dhofari reader let me know, but usually from 8 am-1 pm, and 4-10 pm I'm guessing.

4.) Nizwa Souq, Ad Dhakliyah: I kind of had to choose Nizwa souq even though I don't frequent it personally, very often, because a. it is only a 2 hour drive from Muscat, b. for Omanis it has the best traditional livestock souq [goats, cows, chickens] on friday mornings and the best silversmiths in the country [I always buy a new ring or bracelet when I come here, maybe a get some work done a khanjar for my son], b. it is located adjacent Nizwa fort, a popular tourist destination in itself, and finally, c. there's always the touristy stuff, and on any day of the week you can experience the usual hustle-bustle of the traditional markets selling fruits and vegetables, spices, meat and fish.

Open from 7:30 am-1:00 pm, and 4:00-9:30 pm. Best day, early friday morning.

5.) Ibra's Wednesday Women-Only Souq, As-Sharqiyah: Ladies, here is your chance to prove your shopping mettle at the Wednesday Souq in Ibra. Why? Because it's an all-women affair. No men allowed. So ditch your significant other and come to Ibra. Handicrafts, utensils and textiles are the main features here.

If you like traditional dress as much as OPNO does, this souq is for you. Wednesday morning 7:30-11:30 pm is the best time.

Arabic Perfume Brands: OPNO loves Ajmal

OPNO loves... Arabic perfumer Ajmal's "Ana Hibeck". "ana hibeck is like the arabic equivelent of Dior's "Ja'adore". It's name means "I Love".

MOP loves... Ajmal's oud scent "Saif Al Hind" http://zahras.com/Perfume/Catalog/Ajmal/default_files/image141.jpg.

There are various Ajmal locations around Muscat, and Oman, including Al Athaiba, on the turn off after the Grande Mosque heading towards Seeb on your right hand side.

And if you are at all interested in learning more about Arabian perfumes, this blog is for you http://www.scents-of-arabia.blogspot.com/.

Weekend Recap: Wilayat Al Hamra, and Jibreen Castle

Time for another weekend recap for those of you wondering what to do what next weekend, take note of my rather awesome weekend:

First off, in the day was a rather scenic drive through Bahla. OPNO blogged about Bahla here: http://howtolivelikeanomaniprincess.blogspot.com/2010/12/bahla-ad-dakliyah-region.html.

Since I can't upload pics because of a software malfunction, see the link for relevent pics.

Well, we stopped at the Souq [by car, since MOP is admant OPNO must NOT walk around in this souq], then drove by the massive castle still under repairations. It WILL be something to see when it is finished. It is still impressive just to see driving by.

If you garden, by your Bahla pottery here for the best quality, and the best price. Nizwa souq WILL RIP YOU OFF.

Anyways, since we left from Muscat at 9-ish [we were a bit out of Muscat], we stopped to pray in the Bahla Mosque. Which, BTW, has an impressive women's section. Non-muslims, this totally won't impress you, since, well, they don't let you come inside. Sorry.

But for you Muslimah's:

While most Masjids have a seperate women's section, Bahla Mosque built the women's section on an above floor, so women can still see the Imam through the screened windows, but men can't see them. It is also very clean and peaceful, and also beautiful in design. And it has real toilets, not just the hole in the floor ones.

This is officially (at least, until I see more of Oman) my favourite Masjid in Oman for women.

From Bahla we drove to Misfah Al Abriyan, which OPNO posted pictures of here http://howtolivelikeanomaniprincess.blogspot.com/2010/10/not-so-abandoned-willayat-of-misfah-al.html.

In Misfah, we walked around, saw the village, dipped our feet in the falaj (to the horror of OPNO's husband MOP), and watched people practicing their shooting skills. While we longed to try our hands at it, we didn't have time.

If you come to Misfah, try to dress conservatively, and don't do anything they don't like in Islamic culture. It is a conservative society.

OPNO to MOP: "What would you do if I strapped on my rollarblades right now, and sailed down the hill from Misfah to Al Hamra?"

MOP: "I would never show my face in Misfah ever again."

Entrance to Misfah Al Abriyan (home to the tribe Al Abri) is free. Opening hours are daylight. There is no guard, no official notices or placards.When you arrive at this pedestrian-only town, park just on the outside and walk in. Follow the beaten path into the old corridors. Do not wonder into any homes unless you have permission even if they look abandoned. They are owned by families still, even if unoccupied. Do now walk in any of the terraced fields. Do not pick or eat any fruits that you see since this is the locals' homes and livelihood. It is considered stealing.

Despite all the rules, that are NOT written down, totally follow these and enjoy one of the most traditional places in Oman, and witness how Omanis really lived, and continue to do so.

There is a map upon entry of the town so you may get your orientation and plan your walk. While you are in the town, there are painted markers like a flag of yellow white and red to show your way. Follow them so you will stay on the 'official' path and not wander into private areas.

After that we went to Al Hamra to see the BEST museum of Omani daily life, in Oman. People, along with Nakhl fort, this is one of OPNO's picks for MUST SEES in Oman. The OPNO girls are unanimous on this.

Bait Safah/ Safa House in the wilayat/town of Al Hamra.

Bait (the means house in arabic) Safa is a traditional Omani house made of stone and mud from a historical family in Al Hamra, converted into a museum. But this is no boring old museum.

While there are plenty artifacts lying around, there are also Omani women and men acting out living in the house, from daily chorese such as baking bread, firing and crushing coffee beans (coffee and bread both being food things you'll get to sample as a guest at safa house), making blankets, and cosmetics. For the perfect photo op, they also keep Omani national dresses from all the different regions for men and women for you to try on and dress up in. I chose a black velvet Dhofari dress with crystal embellishments called "father of the tale", but we didn't dress OPNO up or MOP, because MOP was already wearing dishdasha and khanjar, and OPNO always wears traditional dress, either a Suri from Al Sharqiya, or an Omani thawb with beaded sirwaal. And besides that, she was veiled, so it really would have been a hassle for her. But GREAT for Westerners. I have to take my family here when they visit.

For only a rial and half to 2 rials (I am not sure if they charge non-Omanis more because MOP and OPNO told me not to speak since usually they manage to get discounts on museums and stuff if I don't use English) [we paid 1 rial and half], it is quite a tourist bargain. So NOT boring.

I don't know the hours, but we went on thursday, and it was open when we left, around 2 o clock pm. So most weekdays, this would be the same. Friday, try to ask someone who knows better than me. I'll try and ask MOP, he seems to be able to guess this kind of thing.

And if you can't find the way to Safa house on your own, offer to pay the little local boys of Al Hamra 200 baisa each to guide you to it. If you get lost, like I did, without MOP and OPNO.

After that we took lunch by way of coffee shop (rice and meat in Arabic style seems to be food poison-less for the most part so I went with it). After that, MOP INSISTED we drive through Bahla to nearby Jibreen Castle.

Omigosh, this place, Jibreen, is LOVELY. I mean, besides Nakhl fort, Jibreen wins my pic for best castle in Oman.

We spent alot of time just wandering around, enjoying the castle. A remarkable blend of defensive architecture and sophisticated artistry, the exquisite palace at Jabrin was constructed circa 1670 CE at the height of the Ya'aruba dynasty a period of place and prosperity. Says a tour guide website.

Jibreen Castle: It is open 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Sa - Th）　& 8:00am - 11:00am (Fr).

While we got in for free, and we came after 4:00 pm, I believe the fee is one rial each person.

Sometimes, the Omani guard of forts gives you a better price (or free) if you are Omani or dressed like one and speak Arabic (or don't speak lol, like me). Why did they let us in after closing (this happens alot with MOP & OPNO it seems, when I've been with them) you might ask, when the door was closed on a British dude's face?

Seems Omanis in general aren't big "tourist in your home town" types, and in the words of the security guard, translated by OPNO "Westerners take a long time taking pictures of everything. Omanis let you go home on time."

LOL :XD

After that, we went back to OPNO's place and watched OPNO's "Kingdom of Heaven" DVD with the special feature historical guide pop-up thing on, so she and MOP could argue about what was true and what wasn't in the movie about the Second Crusade and the victory of Saladin in Jeruselum, way back when. Whatev, I like Ridley Scott cinematography, whether it is historically accurate or not.

MOP WAS surprised, however, that Muslims were not portrayed in that movie, as evil, lustful, exotic headchoppers.

How was your weekend, dear reader and/ or follower?

Did you do anything interesting in Oman?

I have 1 to add: You know you've been in Oman too long when...

...You buy a heater in the middle of an Omani December {Yep, I actually did that} and you don't actually think it weird at all that they sell wool winter coats in the fashion avenues of this little desert country.

I bought a little 3.9 OMR heater from Lulu, the kind that blows hot air. Coming from a cold country, I know it to be a sucky little thing, but I don't exactly live at the top of Jebel Akhdar, so I don't really need one of those oil metal coil radiators, now do I, going at 14-20 rials? I figure I'll only be using it for 3 months max out of the year, and it heats up my little bedroom and kitchen just fine in the mornings, so, so far, it has turned out to be a great purchase, plus a nice felt blanket from Mars Hypermarket. Hehehe, my little sis would LOVE the faux Louis Vuitton Harajuko rainbow print ones (we know not real Louis) they've got there, in the Sohar Mars Hyper, Japanese culture addict that she is. I should get her one.

On the weekend I went to Muwalla's vegetable/fruit souq

MOP seems to know every souq in Oman. Probably because he used to sell dates from his farm at Bahla and Nizwa souq as a child. Apparently, Sinaw is good for camels, Nizwa is good for goats, Mutrah is good for fabric, Seeb is good for kumas, Al Khodh is good for dishdshas, ect, ect... And apparently, Muwalla is THE BEST FOR VEGEATABLES AND FRESH FRUITS.

So on the weekend we headed out to Al Muwalla fruit and veggies souq to get some bargains. I wanted to go to Barka castle but I spent too much money on stuff for my new house this month so next month's grcoery budget suffered. So, buying fresh from the farms was the solution so we wouldn't have to live on potatoes, hot dogs and Raman noodles.

Hey, if you are an expat and are TIRED of spending WAAAAAAAAAAAAY too much money for fresh herbs like mint and basil, or tomatoes, and strawberries, at Al Fair and Sultan Center, Muwalla vegetable souq is the way to go. It is, a. less crowded than Lulus, b. no check out counter line ups or weighing staions to cue at. My kind of vegatable/fruit buying heaven.You have to use cash and know Omani money, like rial nas is one rial 500 baisa, and there are no Westerners there to speak of that I saw except maybe chefs from Omani restaurants, [and me] but this place is well worth the effort for the prices on the strawberries and tomatoes.

I bought bushells of spinach (yummy with feta cheese on pita bread), boxes of tomatoes and strawberries, fresh mint for chai maghraibi (Morrocan tea), and corn. The corn was a rip off because I only bought one husk. This tend to be sold by the bushel or box. Other than that, good shopping. And close enough for a twice a month jaunt from Muscat.

BABY CRAZZZZZZZZZZy in Oman!!!! Ahhhhhh!!!!

Why is it, that the first question people ask you when you get married in Oman, is, "WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO HAVE CHILDREN?" And on top of that "HOW MANY?" [BTW, all above pictured except the onsies is from Zara home, kids].

Serriously guys, chill. Why not ask, um, well, "have you and your husband managed to mesh your different cultures or ideas? How do you both veiw family and children? What are your long term marriage goals?" ect.... Children seem to be veiwed (in err) as relationship cement in Oman, and they are NOT. To use them as such is a MISTAKE. Marriage should be the foundation for family, not children and babies as the foundation for MARRIAGE.

I know soooooooooooooo many newly married Omani couples who have kids within the first 6 months of marriage, and guess what, DIVORCE. Try to be married AT least a year people, until you are sure you LIKE your spouse, before having kids, please.

I want kids. I am ready for them. Financially, best I wait maybe another year, but, well, really, it is not the first thing I am thinking of, yet if you are newly married in Oman (and a woman) there is a HUGE pressure to pop out a baby in the first year.

I think it kinda insane, especially with the majority of Omani fathers not being able to devote alot of time to their kids soooo...

Sorry to rain on your parade any inlaws prospecting the effectiveness of my fertility ratios ect, but I am leaving that a mystery. I fully accept that I may be veiwed as faulty if I don't manage a baby by next September, MOP, lol. I promise I can handle that with sass and a wink;****

Fake Hermes Birkens in Muscat?

Does anyone know where I can buy a semi-good quality fake Hermes Birken bag in Muscat? Yes, I know that sounds trashy, but at least it isn't fake LV right?

Let me know in the comments section, thank you lovelies.

I know they exist cuz I lots of girls at SQU carrying them, and they weren't real so please give me the down lo, lol.

Renting Traditional Omani Women's Dress in Muscat

In case you are, like myself, a bride without time for a tailor, and you do want to wear traditional Omani dress for a wedding (or as a guest for an Omani henna party or wedding), upstairs in CCC in Al Qurum there is a shop straight down from the Bukhoor (insence) shop over the gold domed whatever it is below, that sells and rents rather gorgeous Oman traditional dresses. Rental prices range from 40-250 Omani rials for 5 days time. Go at least 3-4 days time before to get the rental dress tailored to your figure. They also rent gold and silver plated traditional jewelry, and accessories, like designer birqas (I am going to buy some of these as they sell made to order as well----AmAZING souvenir and pretty when framed).

Fresh off the tarmac: part 1

FRESH OFF THE TARMAC

THE COURTHOUSE WITH GOLDEN DOORS

You know that building near Al Wizarat you pass driving down Sultan Qaboos highway? The one with the gargantuam gilded gold doors?

The first time I saw it my mother told me it was the courthouse, where people go if they steal or commit crimes.

My eyes grew wide as we drove by as a child at those massive golden doors and the thought of a Shariah-court inside, presided over by Sultan one could beg mercy from before one's head or hand was chopped or the like.

My mother liked to read the Sassoon "Princess" novels. I read "Arabian Nights". Damn Orientalists we were. Dear. God.

Yeah. That building IS A BANK!

Ha ha ha lol.

:XD

Yeaaaaaaah, things like that happen when you are an expat fresh off the tarmac. People can tell you things about Oman and you'll believe them and you won't even know it is something completely made up as a joke for expats.

CAMELS

For example, in Abu Dhabi, dressed in abaya as I always am, Muslim convert here, a tourist made a mistake of thinking from the fact that I was talking to a camel in Arabic, that I was its beduoin owner or something. They decided to ask me how long camels live. Amused by their mistake I said 25 years.

What do I know about camels?!

Now that poor lady and her husband are wandering around telling other tourists and expats and their relatives back home that camels live to be roughly 25 years of age.

Which, I have never bothered to look it up, may or may not be true.

PDO EXPATS AND THEIR PREDILECTION FOR WHITE PRADOs

Looking for a friend's home in Ras Al Hamra was supposed to be easy. Their car was parked out front, and we knew its make and colour.

It was a white PRADO.

We'd gone camping with our friend. This was supposed to be easy.

In front of their home were parked four identical white Prado 4x4s, which made determining left or right nigh impossible.

Damn PDO expats and their prediliction for white Prado 4x4s.

Our white toyota pick up stood out by far.

THE LEMON TREE

When asked WHY we moved from our old place in Al Khuwair (I miss the pool) to the PDO camp, I tell people it is because of a lemon tree.

Yes, because of lemons.

My mother has a habit of fighting with ALL of her neighbors, but she forgot that if you start a feud with a tribe in Oman, the feud can outlive you.

Apparently there was some fight over who the lemons on a particular lemon tree belonged to since the tree had never produced any lemons until the water paid for by our waterbill watered it.

You can see where this is going.

Dispute of ownership of said lemons ensued.

Lemons are pretty cheap here in Oman. They sell them in Al Fair, right near are old house.

It was my mother versus a tribe of angry Al ________ and they won by overwhelming numbers, and we were chased out.

Yes, the poor ROP were involved, tsk tsk.

ON PHONING THE EMERGANCY NUMBER

"Phone the ROP! They're fighting!"

I held out the mobile. "I already am. 9999. It's busy."

Oman, serriously, how can your emergancy number be busy? What if somebody was being murdered?

Oh, there you go, just add another 9 to bump somebody else. It worked.

"Hi, this is a call from ___________ Al Khuwair, I need a patrol car here and some officers. There is an assault going on."

ROP man on the other side: "You don't speak Arabic."

Our end: "No."

Click. On hold.

Eye roll.

THE CASINO

Driving out there was horrifyingly bright flashing building large with Neon lights.

Confused, a young OPNO asks their Omani driver: "Isn't this an Islamic country?"

She knows that gambling isn't allowed in the Muslim holy book.

This knowledge is confirmed to her.

Still gawking at the local Lulus Hypermarket she asks, "Then why do you have giant Casino?"

BUYER BEWARE: An Oud Story from one of my shebab

One of the boys, we'll call him AC, does not love Amouage (the perfumery) as much as OPNO.

His tale of buyer beware.

AC: "I personally think it has nothing to do with the Amouage company itself, my story, and EVERYTHING to do with the Omani girl salesperson who 'helped' me. But...

I was buying Oud. The wood we burn as insence. In Amouage, it is supposed to be of a very high grade and so it is expensive, and a better grade than the kind one can pick up for less in other locations. I had bought some Oud from this woman, and when I used it, I noticed it was the kind of a very low quality. Not the kind Amouage would stock at all. But this is hard to prove. I figured out she was switching it for the higher quality, and selling the low grade.

So I went back to the store, and asked her to make me a very large order of the same, and to grind it very small so that it would take alot of time to burn. Which is alot of work. When she came back with it and I was supposed to pay for it, I offered her, like one would at the Souq [not a place like Amouage] the price for very low grade bukhoor [incense]. She got my point. That I knew she had cheated me and looked very afraid. I never reported her, but of course I didn't buy the oud she worked so hard on grinding."

-AC

OPNO LOVES... Bateel in Shatti

Right near the beach, this little sweet shop [called Bateel] in Shatti, Muscat, is perfect for me.

I love luban aka frankinsence: and I can have luban candles? Yay!

Ooooooooooooh! I just discovered this online store http://thenejd.com/?lang=en. I love it.

From the website: "The pottery can be reused as an incense burner by placing frankincense resin directly on burning coals. "

The Nejd practices a strict fair trade policy to ensure that artisans are paid a fair price for their goods.

Fair prices help make traditional craft industries viable in the 21st Century and ensure that heritage and culture are passed on to future generations.

From carpet making, leatherwork, jewellery to pottery, Oman has a rich and ancient craft making tradition. The Nejd supports local artisans and their communities by connecting their products to the global marketplace, thereby ensuring that traditional industries continue to thrive and are passed on to the next generation.

The Nejd practices fair trade policies and supports four distinct and independent artisan groups across Oman.

The Nejd offers a unique range of stunning frankincense container candles made from mejmar, traditional incense burners.

1, 2 & 5: These pots are made by men in the town of Muslimat and are characterized by their white colour and coarse, rustic exterior. Taking up to four weeks to produce from gathering and producing the clay, sculpting the mejmar, drying and firing, this poetry exemplifies the artistry and functionality that define Omani crafts.

3 & 4: These mejmar are made by women in the southern Dhofar region of Oman. Dhofai terracotta pottery is easily identified by its rich red colour, achieved through open-pit firing, along with its iconic crenelated edging.

6 & 8: Potters in the ancient town of Bahla trace their traditions back over 3,000 years. These candles are based on coffee cups and other traditional designs.

7: These mejmar are made by men in a remote village in the northern mountains of Musandam, accessible only by boat or helicopter. Now very rare, this form of pottery has remained virtually unchanged for nearly 5,000 years.

OPNO loves.... Amouage Room Sprays

OKay, when it comes to perfume, I wear women's Amouage Gold (when I can afford to). When I can't, I buy the soap and shower gel. Yes, yes I do.

In case you didn't know, Amouage is Oman's national perfume company http://www.amouage.com/history.php. There is a location in the Muwalla City Center if you are interested. They are PRICEY though.
So my favourite souvenir take-away by (still at OMR 20 a pop) are the room sprays. I love "spice road". Mmmm, yum. Honestly, I'd wear it AS perfume, if no one who knew me knew that it is a room spray/ They know I am cheap like that.

Daily Diary: eid abaya shopping=I bought nothing

Trying to design my Eid abaya, two friends, mashaAllah, both ended up buying me abayas (ones we made at the tailor) one black simple one with baloon sleeves but gold piping trim at the seams (we'll look the same since we ordered the same one), and a blue crystal trimmed one that is very unique as the sister who makes it does all work by hand. I was exhausted though, at her house, while the other girls had fun trying out new patterns with iron on fixtures you won't find at the souqs, and was being attacked by one awful mosquitoe. But MashaAllah, I'll ask if I can post about her business. Also my friend B [an abaya designer] she designs lovely works, for special occasions, think like Effa abayat, but the price tags are 80-170 OMR. Still better than Effa, and all handwork. I want about 7 of her designs.

Getting Omani Traditional Clothes Made at the Tailor

For the above outfit, for the tunic in any other style but the tailed Dhofari number, 2 meter-3 meters in sufficient for average body types. If the selected fabric is sheer lining may also be required in the same.

For the traditional Omani pants, called sirwaal, 2 meters (or 3 if you are VERY tall) is sufficient.

For the shawl, two meters.

For the Dhofari tunic with its train, pictured above, 3-4 and 1/2 meters is required, as well as any subsequent linings.

The dress style pictured above is called a "wael". For a "wael" including a "warqiya" shawl, you will need around six meters of your desired fabric. Printed cotton is the most common, but also beautiful sheer silk chiffons for more formal occasions. Often sheer if made of one layer, sirwaal pants may be worn with them, or six meters of cotton or silk lining may be purchased. I own many cotton ones and wear them without abaya in many places outside of Muscat.

It usually costs 3 rial for a tailor to sew you a wael, 4-5 rial for a Omani outfit with warqiyah, tunic, and sirwaal, and 5-6 rial for a Dhofari dress in Mutrah, but you can barter down from those prices. Any embroidery or beadings and the price goes up and the time is increased for your order. Some are sent away to Pakistan and take two months to complete. Keep this in mind.

Prices in Al Bahrimi and Salalah are cheaper.

Online Shopping: For Designer Abayas

Looking to get designer abayaat online (I mean, the stuff fit to wear to meet Gulf Royals and all that?). You can buy from this website: http://www.3abaya.com/our-designers.html

OPNO loves Zara Home

Unlike my Hometown, Muscat has a "Zara Home", located in City Center Mall in Muwalla. Let me count the ways I love Zara Home... Who else has placemats embellished with coins that don't make one's breakfast nook look like a bellydancer's lair, hmmm?
Or has plates that look like tiles and coloured glasses to make Barbara Eden smile?

Or white towels with tassels that are playful, not kitsch?

These are the ways I love Zara. Who has a traditional picnic basket I am saving for. How to get here http://www.citycentremuscat.com/MUCC/En/MainMenu/SERVICES/SERVICESDIRECTORY/tabid/90/PageName/Services/CatID/8/Default.aspx

and mall hours Saturday to Thursday : 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and Friday 02:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Enjoy.

Online Shopping

When I am totally broke (but ready to mooch a ride from so-and-so's cousin to UAE) I love this website http://www.souq.com/Designer-abaya-and-shaila/5780671-EN/. Sometimes I find great deals on furniture and clothing. And sometimes UAE designers post unique designs you can't find anywhere else. Kind of like the Gulf version of etsy.com. K... totally not as good as Etsy but. Abaya above, for my Betsey Johnson loving girl CA. A modesty makeover I know you would enjoy. So long as you can have halal magaritas on my rooftop.

Designer Socks & Fish Hooks

Once upon a time OPNO was fishing with her first real Omani friend and his cousin. We'll call Omani friend K. Cousin A.

The following is a real life conversation narrated from a willayat far far away (nigh Qurayat, so not far then, really). It illustrates the shopping habitats of two sub species of Omanis in their different habitats:D

A is fishing and hands K the fish they've hooked. Hook is jammed in poor fishie's mouth. OPNO wants to save fishy, but then, A & K will abandon OPNO in the middle of nowhere so she watches the arabic argument that pursues.

A works for a company. He wears nice dress socks, often designer. K usually wears 50 baiza plastic flip-flops and owns no socks that didn't come with his ROP uniform. Usually we use a piece of carboard to hold the (usually bloody) fish to get the hook out of its mouth. K decides to use A's designer socks instead.

A: WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!!!!! THOSE ARE EUROPEAN! AND COST EIGHT RIALS A PAIR!!!!!

K: [completely unfazed answers while blood and fish stench soak into the lovely sock] I can get you EIGHT PAIRS for THREE rial in Seeb.

[He means the Seeb Souq. Not exactly dealing in Gucci you know? But Chinese knock-offs]

A: [something rather rude in Arabic].

OPNO [to herself, cuz she is weird and talks to herself--not really, no one was listening because she didn't speak arabic then but that is for a different post--- and BTW, she isn't a name-brand snob, Prada was from a life far different than the one she preoccupies now]: Good thing we have a cooler. Hehehe. K might have stuffed my Prada handbag with ice. But then, LOL, he could have always GOT ME A NEW ONE FROM SEEB. LOL :XD